In Israel, one of the countries in the world with the highest percentage of the population fully vaccinated, a phase has emerged over the past month where there are almost no restrictions. However, the delta variant changed its laps.
According to the Israeli Ministry of Health, between June 6 and early July, the vaccine protected 64% of people against the disease, while previously reporting an efficacy of 94%. This decline was seen with the spread of the delta type in Israel, which also coincided with the lifting of virus restrictions in early June.
Despite evidence of an increase in infections, the data also shows that the vaccine continues to protect people from serious diseases, with a 93% effectiveness in preventing hospitalization – compared to 97% previously in a government study. Health.
The delta variant, first identified in India, is spreading worldwide and has led to an attempt to speed up the vaccination process. In Portugal, it is already responsible for nearly 90% of cases and has recorded a strong increase in the north, Madeira and the Azores.
according to BloombergPfizer spokeswoman Dervila Kane did not comment on the Israeli data, but noted research that showed the vaccine continued to protect against new strains – only a slight decrease in some cases, stressing that scientific evidence to date indicates that the vaccine “will continue to protect against these variants.” “.
The publication, citing Ynet, also reported that many new cases of covid-19 in Israel were seen among the vaccinated population, and on Friday, 55% of the newly infected were vaccinated, and on July 4, there were 35 serious cases. Coronavirus cases among 9.3 million people, compared to 21 on June 19. It’s been about two weeks since then There are no records of COVID-19 deaths in Israel.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the government intends to study infected vaccinated individuals, including factors such as age, comorbidity and dates of vaccination, in order to assess the vaccine’s efficacy and duration of protection.
After re-introducing the mandatory use of masks in public places, the government is now considering reimposing other additional restrictions. But the Ministry of Health reported that no decision had been taken on recommending a third dose of the vaccine.
Pfizer CEO Albert Burla said people will likely need a third dose within 12 months of immunization.
